Retaining-means for watch crystals and the like



June 25, 1929. P. M. GLEASON RETAINING MEANS FOR WAIICH CRYSTALS AND THE LIKE Filed May 24, 1927 INVENTOR fifl'leao'om BY ATTO RN EY Patented June 25, 1929.

PATENT OFFICE.

PATRICK MARTIN GLEASON, OF CARROLL, IOWA.

RETAINING-MEANS FOR WATCH CRYSTALS AND THE LIKE.

Application filed May 24, 1927.

This invention relates to crystal-holding means and aims, among other objects, to provide improved means for retaining irregular shaped crystals in watches and the like.

In the drawings:

Fig. 1 is a top plan view of a watch showing the improved holding means;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary bottom plan view; and

Fig. 4 is a top plan view of a watch with a modified form of holding means.

In some Watches now in use, particularly wrist watches, the crystals are non-circular or irregular in shape, and, consequently, are more costly to manufacture than round ones. They are also harder to install and hold in position and therefore are very expensive to replace if they should become broken. The present invention seeks to eliminate breakage and replacement expense by providing improved clamping members which overlap a portion of the crystal and hold it securely in place. By this method the bezel portion of the rim may be dispensed with and, as a result, the crystal is less liable to be broken when bein placed in the rim, than by the old method of snapping it into place.

In the present instance, there is shown a watch case 10 having a countersunk seat 11 in which the crystal 12 is placed. Herein, the depth of the seat 11 corresponds approximately to the thickness of the crystal to be used so that the crystal is substantially flush with the top of the case. Suitable apertures 13 are provided in the top of the case adjacent to the rim of the crystal to receive shanks 14 of the clamp members 15. Each clamp member is formed with an enlarged buttonlike head portion 16 adapted to over lap the rim of the crystal.

The case 10 is shown as being reinforced around the apertures 13 by sleeves or bosses 17 which may be made integral with or soldered or otherwise secured to the under side of the case, to provide substantial bearings for the shanks 1 1. .The shanks 14 are somewhat shorter than the apertures 13, and are internally screw threaded to receive the screws 18 or the like, the heads of which engage the inner ends of the sleeves 17, thereby clamping the crystal between the head 16 and the seat 11.

As shown in Figs. 1, 2 and 3 the crystal is substantially square and a clamp member Serial No. 193,897.

is located at each corner. The heads 16 are round and concentric with the shank 14; but other shapes of crystals and clamp members may be used.

In Fig. 4 is shown an irregular shaped frame 10 with a correspondingly irregular shaped crystal 12. In this form, the clamp members 14* not only clamp the crystal in place but also serve as settings for jewels or the like and may be secured to the case in the same manner as shown in Fig. 2.

From the foregoing description it will be apparent that novel means have been provided which will positively hold watch crystals in place and which will also permit new crystals to be easily installed in the case with a minimum danger of breakage. Further more, the invention may be applied to present wrist watches with very slight modifications.

Obviously the presentinvention is not restricted to the particular embodiment thereof heroin shown and described. Moreover, it is not indispensable that all the features of the invention be used conjointly, since they may be employed advantageously in various combinations and subcombinations.

What I claim is:

1. A clamping device for holding crystals in watch cases, con'lprising a clamp member having an enlarged head adapted to overlap the crystal; a shank on said member extending through the case; andmeans associated with the inner end of the shank and engageable with the underside of the case to hold the enlarged head against the crystal.

2. A clamping device for holding crystals in watch cases comprising a clamp member engageable with the outside face of the crystal and having a shank extending through the case; and means associated with the shank and engageable with the underside of the case to hold the clamp member against the crystal.

3. A clamping device for holding crystals in watch cases, comprising a clamp member having an enlarged head adapted to overlap the crystal and having a screw-threaded opening therein; and a bolt screw threaded into said opening and having a head engageable with the underside of the case to hold the enlarged head against the crystal.

In testimony, that I claim the foregoing as my own, I have hereto atiixed my signature.

PATRICKMABTIN GLEASON. 

